In a written form to his club and before his retirement was ever known by Real Madrid, Zidane concluded that he didn't want a single euro for the work that he could perform with the children starting at the end of the year. ( He retired one year earlier than was stipulated in his contract)
2006-08-30 11:48:51 · 20 answers · asked by At Last WC2010 6 in Sports ➔ Football ➔ FIFA World Cup (TM)
Remember before answering, this was before the World Cup.
2006-08-30 12:03:11 · update #1
Again before you answer, this is in April before the World, and I'm not talking about a little appearance here and there.
2006-08-30 12:22:53 · update #2
That’s so typically zizou. Not many people know about the many humanitarian works he’s been doing which is a pity because people judge him so harshly. But then it was never a publicity stunt for him. He hated the limelight, he’s very private and humble about his success. In fact it would probably be closer to the truth to say he only endured the attention 'cuz it meant shining some light on the many things he has worked on, i.e. underprivileged kids, poverty, racial tolerance, etc. He never advertised himself, his sponsors did that, and if he didn’t have to speak on an issue important to him or his family, he favorite quip was “no comment”, so to say he’s just courting publicity is a wee bit cynical to me.
More than being a footballer, “the greatest of his generation”, what really defines zizou for me is his humanity. We all know the story, how he grew up not having much, how he strived to improve his life thru his god given talents, always minding that his personal life hued to the same high standards of integrity, fair play and respect for others. The first time I saw him was in the world cup ’98, I was all of 18, knew nothing about football, but when he strode into the field, I knew there was something special about this guy. He was like a god out there, cool, even detached at times, elegant, dazzling, moving like he learned the ropes in the womb. Somebody was right…to see zidane play is like falling in love. He was unforgettable. Sure, he had his flaws, those moments when he proved he’s human like the rest of us, he can be a little defensive about his origins, a little too rigid in his beliefs, and he sure does have strange ideas about retribution, lol. But he never pretended he was perfect….he was just who he was, no apologies.
Regardless of what happened, I think we should all remember zz for what he has given to the game, and more importantly, for his having shared so much of himself with people less privileged than he was, inspiring them to make something of themselves.
I think maybe I’ve said my last piece.....
2006-08-30 19:41:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
That Zidane has a big heart has never been questioned, he grew up the son of Algerian immigrants in a housing project in France. He knows about poverty and disadvantage all too well. His career is extraordinary, I take nothing from him for that. The only blemishes are the 2 times he headbutted opponents, once in 2001 when playing for Juventus and this year in the World Cup Final.
2006-08-30 12:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by tesorotx 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Zidane surely has the biggest heart ever, he never had a great childhood and played in streets, I guess he dosnt want other children to have the same childhood he had and so is working to make their life better. Zidane is truly a great person, off the pitch and on the pitch. :)
2006-08-31 00:30:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello DanieleK,
He certainly does and it is such a shame that people do not know the depth and extent of his humanitarian beliefs and pursuits. He is a very committed voice and participant in offering and aiding children to find a way out of their poverty and circumstances. He sponsored children ( 20 ) I believe, to get their lives back on track after their village underwent a natural disaster of some extent.He also once stated that the gift he was given in relation to his footballing ability was something he did not take for granted and would feel both honoured and privileged if he was through that gift, able to share that with a child and help them have the chance to fulfill their dreams. He really is a good human being with a very compassionate soul, despite the WC incident.
2006-08-30 12:47:42 · answer #4 · answered by andygurl 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
out of all the athletes in this world, i respect zidane the most. his child life was worse than any one can imagine. if you put 2pac's struggles in the ghetto next to zidane's struggle you would be surprised to see that zidane had it worse. zidane knows what it feels like to be an underprvileged child. thats wht he gives back to the world and refuses to take mone.
2006-08-30 12:42:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
GREAT question. And, yes, the man has a big heart! Just sad too see that in the face of this, some ppl still seem to find a hint of malice in his unselfish commitement. Zizou rocks!
2006-09-01 02:40:50 · answer #6 · answered by sushibabes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, he's a great person, truly a wonderful example and a role model. He is such a great person in so many ways.
2006-08-30 13:55:37 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Zidane has the biggest hear ever.... even if he did get paid too do it
2006-08-30 12:06:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes Zidane is great on and off the field.
2006-08-30 12:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He sounds like a good man.
I wonder what he would think of the way a few of his supporters have been acting on this forum.
2006-08-30 17:25:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋